Sophie Cunningham Shares Views on WNBA Anthem Controversy

Sophie Cunningham, a player for the Fever and a free agent soon, expressed her disagreement with the decision of some WNBA teams to skip the national anthem. While she didn’t specifically criticize the Dream and Valkyries for their actions during the WNBA Finals, she emphasized her support for veterans and those serving the country.

Cunningham remarked during a discussion with podcaster Theo Von, “This has been going on all season. It’s not a new thing, and people are just getting worked up about it now. Personally, I have a lot of gratitude for those who serve. We have family members who have served, and it’s unimaginable what they face while we get to live our dreams and enjoy our freedoms. Whenever I can give a shout-out to our veterans and the current forces fighting for our privileges, I will. I’m all about showing that support and love.”

She added, “That’s my stance, but it doesn’t mean everyone shares that view. Whether it’s right or wrong, I take pride in my roots, and I’m proud to be an American.”

Cunningham noted that skipping the anthem isn’t something new, but it has become a significant talking point during these Finals. The Valkyries and Dream decided to skip “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the first five games of the series, returning only after the anthem concluded. The upcoming Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta, with the Valkyries leading the series 3-2.

Though a clear rationale behind the teams’ actions hasn’t been provided, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned it is part of their pregame routine. Gabby Williams, a player for Golden State, noted it’s not a new occurrence either. Back in 2020, the Dream released a statement saying, “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice, and liberty for all Americans.”

This decision has drawn criticism, including from Vice President J.D. Vance, who condemned the teams’ actions. He stated, “I think that criticizing public policy by disrespecting the country is not the right approach.” He further challenged the WNBA players to consider the privileges they have, citing their wealth and the advantages of their careers.

Cunningham, now 30, previously played in the WNBA Finals in 2021 with the Mercury, when the Sky secured the championship in four games. Following a turbulent season with the Fever, where her comments on transgender athletes became a major topic, she now approaches free agency.

This year’s discussions around the WNBA have been complex, particularly with the involvement of former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom in the Finals, bringing additional attention to the ongoing debates surrounding the league.